Question 3: Short-term Objective J

$5,072,389.28
Fiscal Year: 2010

New!3SJ. Support at least three studies that focus on the role of epigenetics in the etiology of ASD, including studies that include assays to measure DNA methylations and histone modifications and those exploring how exposures may act on maternal or paternal genomes via epigenetic mechanisms to alter gene expression, by 2012. IACC Recommended Budget: $20,000,000 over 5 years.

Objective Cumulative Funding Table

IACC Strategic Plan Objective

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Total

Support at least three studies that focus on the role of epigenetics in the etiology of ASD, including studies that include assays to measure DNA methylations and histone modifications and those exploring how exposures may act on maternal or paternal genomes via epigenetic mechanisms to alter gene expression, by 2012.

3.S.J. Funding: The recommended budget was partially met, and the annualized recommended budget targets were met for all 3 years since the objective was introduced; therefore, the funding for this objective is on track. If this funding trend continues, the objective's recommended budget will be met within the recommended 5 year timeframe.

Progress: More than the recommended number of projects have been funded, with 22 projects supported in 2012. This is a growing area of research, and the current momentum in this area should be maintained.

Remaining Gaps, Needs, and Opportunities: An important technological need for this objective is the development of robust epigenetic measurements for small biological samples, such a blood spots. A possible barrier to research in this area is the availability and preservation quality of these samples. Large funded studies such as MARBLES might provide an opportunity to collect samples. If samples are made available, that may catalyze research in this area.